Morinaga & Co., Ltd., the parent company of Morinaga America, Inc. and a global confectionery manufacturer, said it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire My/Mochi Ice Cream, the largest mochi ice cream brand in the US.
The deal brings together two companies with long-standing brand heritage, category expertise, and complementary capabilities, a combination the companies say will help shape the future of snacking in the US.
Morinaga recently disclosed plans to expand production of its HI-CHEW candy in the US with the opening of a second factory scheduled for 2027. The addition of the My/Mochi brand marks another step in the company’s broader growth strategy as it seeks to deepen its presence in the American market. According to Circana’s MULO + Conv 2025 Week 52 data, the US novelty ice cream market has expanded steadily in recent years, reaching an estimated USD8.6bn in sales in 2025. With the US identified as one of Morinaga’s priority growth regions globally, the acquisition provides the company with an immediate large-scale entry into the US frozen dessert market while supporting its business goals through 2030 and beyond.
My/Mochi is recognized for its distinctive combination of cool, creamy premium ice cream encased in sweet, pillowy rice dough. Rooted in Japanese confectionery traditions and first introduced in Los Angeles in 1993, the brand has transformed this heritage into a modern snacking experience consumed by millions. According to the latest 52-week SPINS MULO data ending January 25, 2026, My/Mochi generated USD 80 million in sales, reinforcing its position as the category leader in mochi ice cream.
Morinaga brings significant experience in frozen confectionery, including popsicles, ice cream bars, sandwich ice cream, chocolate-coated ice cream and single-sized cup ice cream. The company expects the acquisition to strengthen My/Mochi’s product development capabilities while benefiting from Morinaga’s experience in brand building and commercial expansion. Executives say the combined businesses will accelerate innovation and open new avenues for growth in the frozen snack category.
The My/Mochi portfolio will complement Morinaga America’s existing lineup of brands, which includes HI-CHEW, HI-SOFT, and Chargel.
The frozen treats segment remains one of the most attractive and fastest-growing areas of the US snacking market. After the transaction closes, My/Mochi will become part of Morinaga & Co., Ltd. and will continue to operate from its headquarters in Los Angeles under the leadership of President and CEO Craig Berger.
Morinaga said the acquisition aligns with its broader mission of bringing smiles to customers worldwide. With the strong growth and brand recognition of HI-CHEW in the US, the company believes the combined strengths of the two businesses will create new synergies in product development, marketing, and distribution, further expanding Morinaga’s ability to serve consumers nationwide.
Find out more at: https://www.mymochi.com